f. 499 

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GEORGt: W. SHERMAN 

(Al 25 ^ f nrs ot Ajie) 

Li*^iit«Mwint ol Company C", Twenlirlli I^cj>imfi»I Connecticut N olurjlftr 
lrit«nlr\ s\ hil«; in tlu- service ol tin- iidcrdi Go\<rtunrtit in its conliut 
IroMi IKr>| Id IH<)5. Willi certain StatfS ol ilu I i.ion l^r tin- preservation 
ol tlu; Re|)ul)li< . C oiiiniissiofied C(i|)tain. I rlmiarv Hi. 18(55. to rank 
Irom February II, by Hon. W m \ Biu kini'.liam. War Govrrror" 
ol tin- Stiitc ol Ci)ninTticiii. 



A NARRATIVE IN REMEMBRANCE 

OF THE 

TWENTIETH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT 

VOLUNTEERS 



BY CAPTAIN GEORGE W. SHERMAN 

*" When to the sessions of sweet silent tliouglit, 
1 summon up remembrance of things past, 
I sigh the kick of many things I sought." 



In tlie following narrative it is not the purpose that it be 
romantic ; but to record a few incidents and events of lesser 
importance, out of the innumerable number connected with 
the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, while in the Fed- 
eral Army during the eventful and most momentous days of 
our Republic. Most momentous days indeed: For the 
great and terrible conflict, was to decide wdiether the nation 
was to perish from off the earth, or continue to live and 
under (Jod, have a new b"rth of Freedom! 



A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM FOR THE NATION 

The contest was essentially a people's contest, said 
Lincoln, " On one side of the Union," he said, "it is 
a struggle for maintaining in the world, thai form 
and substance of government whose leading object is 
to elevate the condition of men, to lift artificial weights 
from all shoulders, to clear tlie paths of laudable 
pursuits for all, to afford all an unfettered start and 
a fail- cliance in the race of life." And he further 



''olicvc.l, tliat \\w issue ojiihraced more than tlie fate of 
tliese United States. " It presents," lie said, '• {„ tli- wli.U^ 
fannly of man, tlie question wlietlier a Constitutional Hepub- 
lieorDemoeraey— aoovernment of tlie i)eopie l)y the same 
people— can oi- cannot maintain its teiwitorial integrity 
ag'ainst its own domestic foes!" 

In it< "new hirth of Fi-eedom" the nation now lives, and 
lias heeoine iiioiv g-loi-ious! With it "Oh! (Jlory" tlie " Flai>- 
of the Free," of red, white and blue! 

"Your lla- and my flag! To every star and stiiue 
The drums beat as hearts beat and fifes shrilly 

jnpe! 
Vour flag- and my flag— a blessing in the skies; 
Voiir h()|)(' ami my ho})e — it ncvci' hid a lie! 
Ib'inc land and I'ai- land and IialT the world 
aroiiiKl, 

Old (dory hears our glad salute and rij)|)l(>^ to 
the sound I' 

From "^■(.ll|• f^lag and .My Flag," 
Willxir I). Xcsbit, Autlior. 

'"rhcre are many (lags in many lands. 
There are Hags of every hue; 
I'lil there is no !lag, howcNcr -rand, 
l-ihe our own red, white and hliic. 

■"I'"i'''\<'r (loal thai slandard sheet! 

^^''"■'■'' hivalh.- th,. \\u- hul fall. ncr..-.. us, 
U nil l''re<.dom's soil henealh om- feet. 
And l''ie('donrs hanners sti-eaming o'er us;" 

'''•'"■ l"''M'l'''»l ''VcMv nalion Ihron-hont the worhi, arc 
"Mger. to h.iv.. their naliv,. laml and >rrk a new liom- and 
'''■"'••;;'''""""'"'"'<-"l''l.-'.^"r II,.. !■>,...•' that tlM.-lh.vsiM 
I'l".-. I._\ ihrir valoi made more -lorioiis and revered! 

-1 



THE ARMY OF BOYS IN BLUE! 

"The war"— Civil AVar—" was fouglit to a finish by a 
grand army of boys ' '—Boys in Blue. * ' Of 2,778,304 Union 
soldiers enlisted, over two millions were not tAventy-two 
years of age! — 1,151,438 were not even nineteen. There 
Avere even one hun(h"ed thousand on the Union rolls who 
Were no more than fifteen years of age!" Brave boys that 
Avere in b,lue! 

APPEAL OF PATRIOTIC GOVERNOR AND RESPONSE 

The Twentieth Regiment Connecticut Voluteer Infantry 
— " Buckingham Legion " — was recruited and oi'ganized 
in response to the call of the inunortal Lincoln on July 1st, 
1862, for 300,000 volunteers, and the patriotic appeal of 
Cov. Buckingham of July 3d, 1862 to "Citiznes of Con- 
necticut. ' ' 

"Y^ou are again called upon, "he said" to rally to the 
support of the government. The ct\cs( of civil liberty 
must be advanced, the sLipi':macy of ll.e gov'^inment iiuist 
be maintained. * * * * 

The Rebellion, contending Avith the desperation of a hope- 
less and Avicked cause, must be met Avitli equal energy. Close 
your manufactories and Avork shops, turn aside from your 
farms and business, leaA^e for a Avhile your families and your 
liomes> meet face to face the enemies of your liberties 
Haste * * * * ^jj^ speedily secure the blessings of 
peace and good goA^ernment ! " 

"Ah, Avell I mind me how they came, 
From shop and furroAved fields. 
With kindled eye and hearts aflame, 
' The patriot sword to wield!" 

"Their country asked them for their lives 
They did not ansAver nay, 
■ But from their homes and friends and kin 

The}' braA'ely marched away. 
5 



"Still iindaimted, still united 

P,y the lircs our \'n\\\vv< li.ulited." 

PAin IX(i OF PATRIOTIC^ MOTHKR AND i.OVAL SOX 

Private Judsoii lA'wis, comiectcd with our nai'rative — 
known among- his most intimate I'riends as "Jed " Lewis — 
was the youngest son of Ja])ez and Mary M. Lewis. "He 
was a line looking young man, of dark complexion; and of a 
(juiet and licaeeful dis|)()siti()n." For the first time we will 
meet hiui at home with his aged and loving mother in 
Ansonia, C'onnecticul. lie had ('nlist(.l in tin; liOth Uegi- 
ment Connecticut \'olunteei's I'oi- the defence of liis Country; 
and til!' tiuic had come for his departure; and he ^^ as linger- 
ing with sui)pressed emotion beside his anxious and loving 
mother. Were they meeting for the last time on earth? 
I)i<l they icalize Fully tliat it might be so ? Who knows ? Jf 
they did, what hei'oism and loyalty of the son! What a 
gi'cat sncrilice of the mothei'! What ])ain and anguish at 
the linal |)arting foi' mother and son! 

" When eyes are beaming what never tongue 

mighl It'll, 
When teal's ai'c sti'eaming from their crystal 

eelL 
When hands are linked lliat dread (o pai't. 
\\ hen heart is met by 1 hiolibing heart; 
< Ml billerl bitle!'! is llie vMiart of those who say 

la re well. 

1 1 is said in xcrse: 

"The niothei' who conceals her grief. 
While to her breast her son she pi'esses, 
'I'lieii bri'atlie> ;i lew bra\'e words and brief' 
W il li ni» one but her secret ( lod 
To kno\\ the |i;iiii that wfigh- upon he)'. 

Shed hoi \ blood ;i> e 'er I lie sod 
lieecjxfd ()U [''icedom's lleld of lloUol! 



So it was M itli the tliousands of dear mothers, tljat parted 
witli their sons, to he sacrificed for our country's salvation. 

VVliat for the loyal sonsf 

"Happy the land which thus can claim 
Such loyal sons her own! 
Within whose breast, that altar flame 
Of Spartan love hath grown! 
Which, e'en with life, defends the State, 
Nor deems such sacrifice too great." 

"Oh, rare and loyal w^as the sacrifice!" 

"For you and me they put their armor on." 

PAR^JlNCi FROM LOVED ONES 

At an early hour of September lltli, 1862, the day of the 
departure of the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, its 
camp at Oyster Point, New Haven, Connecticut, was full of 
activity getting I'eady to take cars for the front. It was 
thronged, with anxious and sad relatives of the "boys in 
blue. ' ' Wives, sisters and daughters are parting from their 
loved ones! "Some are parting with mothers, who hold 
them and press them to their hearts, again and again, and 
say nothing, nothing but kisses ad tears, tears and kisses — 
the divine mingling of agony and love!" 

Soon, in the midst of partings, of great excitement and 
confusion, came the stern command "fall in;" then in great- 
er excitement came the short but memorable march of the 
' ' boys ' * for the cars that awaited them. How they were fol- 
lowed to the cars by dear ones; who kept in sight their own, 
to give more encouragement and one more expression of 
affection! 

Up the sides, and into the open platform cars the "boys" 
clambered. When done, how quickly, and anxiously some 
scanned the faces in the crowd and found a dear one who 
was recognized and given the last "good bye!" 

7 



THP] DKPARTURE FOR THE WAR 

Near 10 o'clock in the forenoon, amid the cheers of tlie 
great crowd of patriotic peoi)l(" who had asseniMed to wit- 
ness the departure, and mid tlie teari'ul farewell of the loved 
ones left behind, the I'Oth lleo-iment Connecticut Volunteers 
that had so i)romj)tly i-esponded to tlie call of Lincoln, start- 
ed on its three yeai-s campaign to aid in the supjncssion of 
the wicked rebellion. 

The precious human freight <lej)art('d, and among the pre- 
cious sons of loving mothers was Judson Lewis of Co. B. 
.Judson Lewis just from his mother's embi-ace; so stionu' and 
robust of health, was one of the thousands of precious sons 
defending our country, that never returned alive; but laid 
down their lives while in the midst of promising manhood! 
For what? was it not that this glorious Republic might con 
tinue to live, tluit the peace and plenty that now are ours, 
might be enjoyed by the millions; and the million- vet to 
be? 

"We fought, not for ourselves alone," said (!en. Sium-- 
man, "but I'oi- those who ai-e to come after us." 

"For you an<I me they put tiieii- armor on!" 
TIIF IJFCFFTIOX FX KOFTF 

I will not attemj)t to narrate the numy {)leasant and un- 
pl«'a-ant haj)))enings while on „nr way to* Xew Voik Citv on 
^'"' "!»<■" pl<-d form cars- use.l foi' t lanspoi tin- hnnbei" or 
<<' l'<'rl Monmouth, Xew Jersey, by M.>amboat. and l.v cars 
'" ''lMl<-"h-lpliia, the <'ity of n-reat hospitality. \\V miived 
'" ""' '■■'"'•'■ i'l'"""<' in llie forenoon ..f Seplemh.'i- IJlh. very 
<''''«l ••"Ml hungry. Th.- I... nevoh.nl and patriotic p^M.pIr ^^^^y.^. 
wailing an. I wat.-hin- for all such lo ari-iv<.. r.-uardless of 
^''•' <'""■ "I' <l.-i.v ..r nighl. In fact, whrn a t.-...,p train h'ft 
.l'-i>..y City a l.-h-rani u;,.. s.-nl to Ihc " Lni,,n " ..,nd the 
^''•"''"■' ^'"'1' \'<'liinI.Tr K'rftv.|,in..nt Saloons;" a -un was 
'"•'"f. -•"i.i away the peoph- hurried to tl„. l^m ,he.l> -.uul 
'"•'«l<' '•'•<-"ly to feed the huiiuiv ^oldirrs 



We were royally entertained with every arrangemet for 
comfort. While the patriotic ladies were bountifully feed- 
ing the hungry bodies, they supplied each of us with a 
pocket New Testament. So, they provided food for the 
soul as well as the body; and to every soldier of a regiment 
that passed through the city during the war tliey done the 
same. The smiles and the Avords of encouragement, given 
by those dear women, long fingered in tlie memory of many 
veterans. 

May the loyal services, of the noble women who assisted 
in the preservation of our Republic, be inscribed by a grate- 
ful nation, on monuments of Bronze to be seen and read by 
the coming generations! 

I will delay long enough, to record something more of 
the benevolent and patriotic work of the "Refreshment 
Saloons." Seven barrels of coffee and 15,000 cooked rations 
were often made in one day. 1,300,000 meals were served 
by the two organizations from their opening to their dis- 
continuance. 

" Writing paper and envelopes were provided, enal'ling 
the soldiers to write home. All letters were stamped free 
of cost to the writers and mailed by the entertainers. ' ' 

It was but a short distance from the place where we were 
so royally entertained, to the cars for Baltimore at which 
city we arrived on the 13tli of September, where we were 
lunched by the "Union Relief Committee." Again we took 
cars and speeded for Washington, where we were treated to 
boiled salt pork, bread and coffee, a meal that no one who 
partook of it wouhl ever forget. The tables we stood up to, 
on which the meal M^as served, were saturated with pork 
grease; the coffee cups so greasy the coffee tasted more of 
pork. The floor was so slippery because of pork grease, 
that it was difficult for one to walk without slipping down. 

I will not attempt to record further the movements of our 
regiment, until its ari'ival at Fairfax station, Virginia, in tlie 
evening' after its hard march of 25 miles. 



A SEVERE EXPERIEKCE IX WINTER 

While there was much, that transpired between our ar- 
rival in Washington and our departure for our camp near 
Fairfax station, that is interesting and most worthy of 
mention, yet, such will be left for some future historian. 

It serves the purpose of the writer better, to proceed from 
the time of the depai-ture of our regiment from our camp 
near Fairfax station January ITtli, 1863; but I will hi-ieHy 
refer to some incidents occurring during- our stay at tii-* lat- 
ter place, from November 17tli, 1862, to January 17th, 1863. 
While camped here the reg'iment suffei-ed from hunger not 
having- sufficient rations issued to them. The men had not 
been paid in two months, and some lacked means to obtain 
sufficient nourishment, so some were half starved. Besides, 
they were enfeebled by tlie cold and wintry weather. Some 
nights it was painful, as one lay upon the frozen ground — 
on a few boughs For a bed — to hear many hacking and 
coughing, from colds. It seemed to me most wonde'-fiil 
that so many of Company B, were fit to march when called 
upon to do so, for they were further enfeebled, from haviug- 
no shelter, day oi- night, exce))t that afforded tliem in \n\<\] 
huts, oj)en in IVdnl to the driving snow, and cold, and i)ierc- 
ing- wItkIs. 

Clieei riilly \\c -iifrei-ed and eiidui-ed together in hai'(l>hips 
and |)i-i\a1ioiis, with hut one ))Ui|)ose, to save oui- coiintrv 
I'l-oni ils ai-nied enemies 

Thi- inimnrtal Lincoln, duiing the great sti-uggle for the 
existence of oui- iJepublic, said: " We accejited this war foi- 
<»ne object, a \voi-lli> object, and tlie war will end when that 
object is attaine<l. I'ndei- (iod. I hope it will ncNcr end un- 
til that time. " The '• jioys in r.lue" h.'Iiex cd in liiui. and 
shai-eil with him in his determinaticui and hope. 

.\ l)l'TII-'l L SOLDIKK' 

Private . I iid>,,n Lew i>. after the nuircli of iT) miles with 
his liegiment ainl com|)any. reached l-'airta-S station in goo<l 



condition. Here let nie record, comrade Lewis, gave me as 
his Orderly Sergeant, no trouble. I do not recall his com- 
plaining about his rations, or while being detailed for guard 
or picket duty, even when called upon after a long and tedi- 
ous march, and perhaps to be marched many miles more and 
too, before he had an opportunity to make a can of coffee or 
eat a few hardtack to satisfy his hunger. - I recall nothing 
occurring during my experience with my comrade Lewis, 
while Orderly Sergeant of Co. B, that mars the good im- 
pression of him. It is equally true of others, of my com- 
rades of Co. B, they too, have left in my memory, good and 
lasting impressions tliat are and will be cherished as long a.s 
I may live. 

When orders were received on the morning of January 
17tli, 1863, to be ready to march from Fairfax station, as 
orderly sergeant T gathered such as I believed were unable 
to withstand the fatigue of the march, and reported such to 
the Surgeon. Comrade F.ewis connected with our narrative, 
was not one of the number but ready and willing as usual to 
perform his whole duty. 

Our march from Fairfax station, to what proved to be 
our (le'^tination for the winter, was mo.^t trying and arduous. 

HUNCJRY SOLDIERS 

We had but little to eat on the last day of the march, in 
fact it was thirty six hours after our arrival before rations 
could l»e obtained to issue to us. On the jiiarch some men 
were so hungry, that passing where rebel calvary haa fed 
their horses, they gathered up what few stray kernels of 
coi-n, they could find, some of whicli were found soaking in 
the water in the pi-ints — made in the mud — of the horses 
hoofs, and ate them to satisfy their knawing hunger. 

A NIGHT UNDER SNOW 

On the night after our arrival fi'om Fairfax station, the 
comrade^ tired and hunger none too well satisfied, lay with- 

11 



out slieltor oil tlic cold ,i;i'()iui(I aiul sou.^'Iit rest mid sleep; 
and while they slept, 

"Silent, and soft, and slow 
Descends the snow. 
The snowfiakes fell, 

And on the .uTound li(^ thickly dee])." 
While underneath, are tired soldiers. 
Asleep. 

Before morning snoM' had fallen to tlie deptli of a foot or 
more and covered us; and it was to those of tlie early ones 
to arise from such a cover, a scene that few ever saw. The 
cam]) ^^■as of mounds as in a l)ui\ving-gi"ound in winter time; 
and where as well there was no ajopearance of life. There 
was merriment as one after anotlier ai)i)eared out of his 
grave of snow and shook himself. 

COM.MF.XDATOKY ORDER 

Some time after the estahlislnuent of our winter quarters 
near Stafford Court IFouse, A'irgiuia. the following order 
was issued hy our Division comuiauder, which i-ccilcs some 
oi' the hardslii])s and juix at ioiis we e\])erieiice(l on our 
march ffom l^'aiifax stalioii: — - 

"Head(|uaii.'is Isl Div. r2th A. ('.. 
' Ueai- Staffoi-d Coui-t House, \'a. 

January L\")tli, IStii). 
( leiieral ( )rders. No. 3. 
''The P>i"i.L;'. ( ii'ii. coiiiiii.-iiidiim l hi> Dixisioii (h-.-i ic- (o e\ • 
])ress to the trooi»> ol' 1 his c()iuiiiaii«l his highest a|ipi»'cial ion 
of llieir soldiei-ly condiicl iji the rccciil nrtluon> iiiaicii I'loiii 
l''aii'fa\' ,-latioii to lhi> ph'K-c. r,ii(h'i' x'xen' hardship- and 
])ri\atioii>. w Inch rc>nllcd fi-om I he >toi in connncncinu with 
and accompanying us duilnu our march, and oxer road.- 
seemini^iy imjiassahlc, ihcir palicnl endurance ami piom])! 
Jieifoiiiiaiice i)\' cvrry (Inly merit- the liighe.-t prai-e. Sol- 

12 



diers deprived hj unexpected obstacles of proper subsistence 
and exposed to inclement weather without shelter, and yet 
enduring all without a murmur,, deserve the warmest thanks 
not only of their counnander but the nation they so faithful- 
ly served. ^y (^'ommand of 

Brig. (Jen. A. S. Williams, 
W. D. Williams, Capt and 

Assist. Adj. Gen." 

WINTER QUARTERS 

It was not long after the night we spent under the snow, 
when we removed to the grounds chosen for our camp for 
the winter. 

" Make we here our camp for winter, 
And, through sleet and snow, 
Pitchy knot and heechen splinters 
On our hearth shall glow." 

Here we put up Jog huts, and to exclude the wind, rain 
and snow, crevices M^ere filled with Virginia mud. The huts 
had ridge roofs made of four pieces of canvas— two shelter, 
or "dog tents"— that furnished much light in the hut mak- 
ing it pleasant. Some made a door for their hut, out of 
pieces of hardtack boxes; and with strips of leather from 
old discarded army shoes, hinges were made, and fastened 
in place with nails from cracker boxes. Many of the huts 
had a chimney and fireplace, constructed of pieces of wood 
embeded in an abundance of mud, and some of the chim- 
neys were topped off with a barrel without heads. 

The interior of some huts might have been thought 
" homedike," being fitted up with some conveniences, and 
to the taste of the occupant, out of what was obtainable. 

By this time the comrades in their experience as soldiers, 
had learned how, and were disposed to make themselves 
comfortable. 

As one passed a hut, on his wa\ down the company 
street, sweet melodious voices could be heard from within, 

13 



voices tliat had hccii listeiKMl to in cfimcli choii' at [loiiic; 
rroiii another miglit be Iieard, the reaciing- of welcome let- 
ters from home; and from anotlier, pleasant convei-sation; 
discussions on tlie wai-; camj) gossip, or perhaps a lively 
game of jK'nny-ante, or seven-iip. 

As one peered througii cracks in the dooi- of a hut. one 
might be seen making his coffee— the soldier's solace— over 
thc lire on the liearth, and in a kettle made of a tomato can; 
in another hut, one may be seen wiitinga letter home, by the 
light of a piece of candle or by the bright and cheerful light 
from the lii-eplace. As one comes to another, there miglit 
be seen the face of one in deep thought; sitting befoi'e the 
bright lire on the hearth. Are tliei-e tears on the uptr.i-ued 
face? Doubtless, for his mind is nHeduith thoughts of 
home, sweet home; and of some loved one there! 

The deleterious effects, upon the health of many members 
of the regiment resulting from the ,v reat fatigue experienced 
on the ai-duous march; and from, the night spent under the 
snow, an<l lying on the cold wet ground, soon became evi- 
dj'iil. h l...caiiie my painful duly as orderly sergeant of Co. 
B, to have to report many mem!,ers of that compauv for 
tivatmcnt: and one of the number was the heretofore ro- 
'"ist and healthy dudson Lewis. Disc-ase that luiks m 
''"'•.Iships, privations an. I huu.ucr. al ln<t <-laimed him as a 
vu-tuii. Soon w.. IhKJ him in the hospital delii-.uis with 
iNphoid fever. 

Accor<lin.o- to m..di,.;d ant hoi it i..> thousau.ls ..f soldiers, 
.-'■rvmg II,.. Ir c.Minlry in tl,.. arniv. .lurin- i|„. ..jvil wai- 
Hdlered an.l lost th.-ir liv.-s, by tv,,|,..i.l fever ...u.t racte.l 
♦'•"""'""'l't'""slhey.-oul.l not hav.. avoi,h.d:.loubtlessour 
•■*""|■'•|d.• Lewis was one of such. 

Typh.H.l fever it iswritlen, may l,e.-aii>e.l without infec- 
<"'>'"l '•M.Tnal.,ri-in. The .levelopnH-nt of tv,.l,.,i.| f.-vr 
a.non;,- troops .luiin,. |,;,,,, eampaigni.m involvim; mu.-h 
laligiie i> u,.|| known. 



14 



THE DUTIFUL SOLDIER SUCCUMBS TO DISEASE. 

On Saturday, February 21 st, 1863, near the dawn of day, 
in a tent not liglited, perhaps not lieated, and during a cold 
and driving snow storm, tlie mortal life of Judson Lewis, 
peacefully ended! 

'•Comrade, rest, thy warfare is o'er! 
Spirit ! thy labor i s o 'er. 

Thy term of probation is run. 
Thy steps are now bound for the untrodden 
shore, 
And the race of immortals begun. 

''What is death 
To him who meets it with an upright heart! 
A quiet haven, where his shatter 'd bark 
Harbours secure, till the rough storm is past, 
Perhaps a passage overhung with clouds. 
But at its entrance, a few leagues beyond 
Opening to kinder skies and milder suns. 
And seas pacific as the soul that seeks them." 

A NOBLE SURGEON 

Dr. James Wadsworth Terry, Surgeon of our regi- 
ment, and two nurses were with our comrade when he suc- 
cumbed to his deadly disease, and passed out of this life. 
There is no doubt our comrade received perhaps more 
consolation during his sickness, and better medical atten- 
tion—which would have been a great comfort to his aged 
mother and friends to have known— than many other sol- 
diers tliat suffered and died in hospitals at the front. 

Dr. Terry I know, from having associated with him 
was a conscientious and I believe a skilled physician, and 
as having a christian spirit, being very kindhearted and 
sympathetic. It is written of his brother Gen. Alfred 
Howe Terry— ''Hero of Fort Fislier^'— that he too was 

15 



modest ; generous; of a kind hearted nature; and was apt 
to bend down to little children and caress them; and was 
an unflinching friend. This eulogy of (ien. Terry aceordr- 
with the pleasant impression lingering in my mind of !iis 
hi-othei', l)i-. Terry, oui- very kind hearted surgeon, and 
unflinching friend. Dr. Terry's sympathetic nature, 
was revealed when, after he had been many hours of the 
cold nii:;]it ministering to relieve the suffering of our coni- 
I'ade to the last, and lie tui'ns fi'om the dead, and so ten- 
derly, hastens to the side of our sick comrade Johnson. 

After the close of the great conflict, when one wa^ 
seeking material for a Biography of J. Wadsworth Terry, 
M. 1)., and sought of him something of himself to be used, 
he refrained from saying aught of himself; but wrote m 
pi-aise of comrades as follows: "There were many fine 
officers and men in the regiment, among the latter 1 know 
of none more worthy of mention than my orderly, Peleg 
Brown, who, in every battle was by my side I'endering 
assistance to the wounded, and in hospital gave most con- 
scientious care to the sick and suffering. 

'^riie above ])orii-ays the true chai-actcr of the two noble 
men! 

B()l)\' OK COMRADE LEWIS ORDEIJKI) SKXT TO 
MIS MOTIIKK' 

Thcr*' iiiiist ha\(' bccji a ))i('d('t('riirnif(| uii(h'f>taadiiig 
oi- ;i (|uick decision, a> lo the di.-|)osal of the hody o! our 
«'oiiira(h', a> (jnilc early on llie (L-iy ot his (h-alh a sjiecia! 
oi-(h'r was signed and is>iied IVoiii the heathpiarters of the 
i'egjnient hy Col. W'iHiaiii \l. W'oostei' coninianding. " lo 
delivci- llie ho(i\ ofJiidson l.f\\i> llic deceased, lo the \\\- 
)»ress (''»iii|ian\ at Washington, for transportation to his 
family in ( 'oniieet lent. " Xo doiihl the sngi;-estion of 
Si-ndim: the body ol' the ^on llolile to the lllotliel-, cailie 

promptly Irom the kindhejnted. and thoiiglitriil coiniiian- 
<h*r-. ( 'ol. Wno-l.T. 

10 



INTERESTINCi LETTER FROM COMRADE 

In the hot^pital tent where comrade Lewis died was 
another comrade of Co. B, — " now^ with the great majori- 
ty" — lying sick with the same deadly disease. In after 
years I was moved by a desire to learn something more if 
possible,, of the particulars relating to the last sickness 
of Comrade Lewis and wrote comrade Johnson, with that 
mind in view. Here follows, in ijart, the letter received: — 

*'New Haven, Conn., 
March 6th, 
Mr. (Jeorge Sherman 

Dear Comrade: 

* "* * * You inquire about 'Jed' Lewis. I re- 
member ' Jed ' well, he died while I was so very sick at 
Stafford Court House. He lay on the opposite side of the 
passage way from me in a wall tent, it was not ligJited, 
the snow drifted through at the bottom, and we had some 
very cold weather there as you well remember. I don't 
think Med' froze to death, I think the fever that he had 
would keep him from freezing. I had been delirious for 
a long time, it seejus now as though it must have been two 
or three weeks, when I regained consciousness. It was 
along the latter part of the night and very cold. I realiz- 
ed that sometliing Ujuisual was taking place, I managed 
to raise myself on my arms and looked at where 'Jed's' 
bunk was and saw three standing around it. Dr. Terry 
was one of them, he looked around and saw me, and came 
over to my bunk, 'well,' iie '^ays, 'Jolmson I am surprised, 
how do you feel?' I answered by asking him if he 
thought 1 would get well, he says, 'I hope so, as soon as 
you are able to travel I shall discharge you, you never 
will be able to do duty again.' I did not think so. I ask- 
ed him what the trouble was over there, he said 'Jed' 
Lewis was dead.' That took all my courage out of me. 
We both had the same typhoid fever. 1 did nor get 

17 



mi'oiiikI imuli iiiUil a few days bcl'oic we wcTit lo riianccl- 

lorsvillc. 

Your co]iii;ule. 

Jerome Joliiison 

I received a special ordci-, dated February 21st lioni 
tlie lieadqna)-teis of my reg'iment and approved at lirad- 
quarter>< of tlie Brigade, Division and 12tli Army Corps, 
detailing me on special duty for three days. The oider 
readied me early Sunday morning, February 22nd my 
birthday. From the order ] learned for the first time oi 
the death of comrade Lewis, ajid of my promotion. The 
order follows: — 

"Headquai'tcrs 20tli ( onn. \'ols., 

Stafford C. H., Va.. Feby. 21st, 18G3. 
Special Order. 

2d Lieut George W. Sherman is hereby detailed to de- 
liver tlie l)ody of Judson Lewis, deceased, to the F]x]U"ess 
Company at Wash.ington, i'or transportation to \\\> family 
in Connecticut. 

JJeut. Sherman will ivturn within thi'ee davs, during 
wliicli lime he will ]jrocure his proper uniform as a 2d 
Lt., he having just been promoted from 1st Sergeant. 
(Signed) Will. r>. W'oostcr. 

Lieut. Cnl. •JOth CollU. \'(.Is.. 

( 'oiiiiiianding lu'gt. 

The weather on ijie iiiorniiiL' of the 22<l, when 1 r.'cei\- 
ed the ordd' ddailiiig iiie I'oi- special duty, was x'ery cold, 
and niiieli ilcpth of -now on the ground and it wa^ still 
snowing hard a> on llie |ire\iou> day; and a- the order ol 
detail did not >peeil"y any particular day to |)rocee(l; an<l 
only the time allow (mI in going aiu! coming- I used \\\y 
jutigincnt and cho^e the 2.'lrd. a> the propei- timt to com- 
mence the peri'(Uiiiance ol the diit'e.- assigned me. 



,^ Sergeant Edward Root of Co. B— a stalwart in deed— 
wliom i sliall always remember for liis disinterested kind- 
ness and generosity, and six other comrades of Co. B — 
tliat I am sorry to say I am unable at this day to recall the 
name of one of them — were the detail to accompany me 
with the body of our comrade down Aquia Creek as far as 
Aqaia Creek Landing. 

Very early on the morning of February 23d, 1863, the 
body of our comrade covered with a piece of shelter tent 
for a shroud, was solemnly borne by comrades on a stretch- 
er, from the tent where he closed his life, to near the foot of 
our company street, from which place we were to depart 
on our mission. No more, wall his response "here," at 
t]ie Roll Call, be heard by his comrades! 

To day the mortal clay, 
Is tenderly borne away! 
- For dearest kin of son, 

A solemn duty is done! 

START FOR KANE'S LANDING 

It had stopped snowing but it had continued severely 
cold and a piercing wind prevailed; but early in the morn- 
ing we started through the deep snow, and facing the 
cold and piercing wind for Kane's Landing about three 
quarters of a mile from our camp and at the head of 
Aquia Creek. 

The weather was such that but few would be likely out 
of their comfortable huts. I do not recall that any one 
but the members of the detail were present at our start. 

Our silent and very solemn march wdtli the dead, 
through the deep snow^; and in the cold and piercing wind, 

At "Kane's Landing," supplies were distributed to a part of the Army of the 
Potomac, that were towed up the creek m canal boats by stern-wheelers. Kane's 
Landing was so named for Brig. Gen. Thomas Leiper Kane, commanding at one 
time, the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 12th Army Corps. He was a brother to 
Dr. Elisha Kent Kane the American Arctic Explorer, who commanded the second 
Arctic expedition sent out by Henry Grinnell in search of Sir John Franklin in 
1850-1851. 

19 




Ma)) of A((uia (/reck, \'a., sliowiiii;- location ol 
l^Olh Conn. \'ols. camp in tlic ('i\il A\'ai-; ol 
Ivanc's Landing; an<l Aciuia CrccU l.andiiii;-. 



JO 



lias often since reminded nie of vrha^ a fimei-al procession 
might be in tlie Arctic region! 

Aqiiia Creek that we were to descend is an afihient of 
the Potomac River; and Aqnia Creek Landing, is situated 
at the junction of the creek with tlie Potomac; and in a 
straight course, is about tive miles from Kane's Landing. 
Aquia Creek Landing was th.e only place where a coffin 
could be procured for the body of our comrade; and where 
one could take i-teamboat for Washington with tlie body 
from there to be transjjoited to the relatives in Connecti- 
cut. 

Neither the comrades that were to go to Aquia Creek 
Landing nor myself, had before descended Aquia Creek. 
We wei"e expected to reach the landing for a purpose; 
doubtless none had a thought but we would be able to 
overcome and remove ,every obstacle in the way. We had 
the pluck of " Yankees " that we were. 

At Kane's Landing we were very fortunate in iinding 
at the landing a large flat-bottomed craft, that ha(i been 
used on Aquia Creek, and doubtless by the Confederate 
forces while in that vicinity. It was taken possession of 
with the poles we found for pushing the craft along; also 
some pieces of boards that proved to be of great service on 
our way down the creek. 

A VERY TRYINd TIINTE DOWN AQUTA CREEK 

There was ample room on tlie craft for the stretcher 
with the body; and space for all aboard to move about 
freely. Thus we were equipped for our passage with the 
dead down the creek; and soon we were ready to com- 
mence what proved to be a task and an experience that is 
yet, vivid in my mind. 

On our way down the creek in the performance of our 
mission in the presence of the dead, there was no sugges- 
tion of levity, for we knew not how soon it might be with 
one of us, as with our comrade who but a few weeks before 

21 



was '^tiong and j-obiist in Iiealtli, l)iii now, lying still in 
(leatli hol'ore u.'-. Tlio ])assage in tlie i)ri'sence of tlu' 
(k-ad, iiuist have been to my comrades a most solenm and 
oj)l)i-('s>-iv(' aifaii-; and as 1 recall, llic passage was iiu'de in 
comparative silence. 

The faithful "Uoys in lilue." lalsored inces.^antly the 
entire distance down the ei'eek without one conii)la'nt or 
iiiu)-mui-. They were unai-iiie(l, yet, they were so wiiolly 
occnjtied in the service due their comrade that it was 
evident that if they had been fired upon, from the hanks 
of the creek ]»y guerrillas they wouhl not have hesitated 
itiic moment to have contimied on oui' mission. 

W'v were about nine houis getting to >\(iuia Creek 
Landing owing to the arducus labor and the difficulties 
experienced on our way. The creek, during the severe. 
weather, had frozen over; and I'or al)out four miles of the 
route, the ice had to ])e bi'oken up, by two or three coni- 
j-ades at the Vow of the craft, with the pieces of boa'ds w' 
so th()U'.'htriill\- bi'ought along; while others pushed witli 
the })oles as a way was cleared admitting of further move- 
ment toward our goal. 

When my mind reverts to the pictmcd scene, of tlie in- 
trepid Coiitiueiilals, I'.attling with the cakes of (loatiug ice 
that cotifroiite(| and ()pj)ose(| them, wliih' ci'ossiiiL;' the 
Deh-iware, it recalls to my mind, om- experience, while 
liattliug as it weie. willi the hariier of ice, that conlVoiited 
and opposed us on lliat, to us memorahh' day duiing 
(»ur passage down .\(piia ("reek lifly foui- xcais ago. with 
the body of ("()mi-a<le .ludson I.ewisI 

To sail down Acpiia ('reek, in and (Mil of its num<'i'ou- 
and plea>ani lillle coxes, wafted by refreshing winds 
of Suiu'iier; when all along its banks ai-e green; all nature 
smiling; when ;i|| aboard is snggesli\-e of naught but life 
•'""d aniiiialion: and coinfocts pleiilx ; then il would be a 
pleasnr". and wouhl Im' in after yeai-.- recalled along with 
pleasanl ihoiighl-. i'.iil <.iii- passage down Acpiia Creelc 



on February 23d, 1863, when all along its banks were 
clothed in the garb of Winter; midst cold and piercing- 
winds; laboring too with might and main; with comforts 
none; and while in the presence of grim death, was most 
unpleasant and arduous; and our experience during our 
passage down the creek while performing the duty due 
our dead comrade, is recalled in after years only along; 
with thoughts of unpleasantness! 

It was nearly dark when we succeeded in reaching 
Aquia Creek Landing and getting the body of our com- 
rade ashore. We were all very tired, lame and hungry 
too, after finishing our hard task. 

Coffins (pine boxes) were furnished at the landing by 
the government for hudreds of bodies of soldiers that 
had been killed or died of wounds or disease in the Army 
of the Potomac; and brought there to be taken to Wash- 
ington by boat and from there sent to relatives, in differ- 
ent parts of the Union. 

As we were unavoidably delayed in reaching Aquia 
Creek Landing on the 23d in time for a boat for Washing- 
ton that day, I was somewhat doubtful about being able to 
accomplish my part of the mission within the three days 
allowed, and as I wished to avoid being reprimanded I 
obtained the endorsement — on the order — of Dr. Wm. H. 
White the kindhearted Post Surgeon at the landing, say- 
ing that I was "unavoidably detained at this Post and 

At an early period of the Civil War, the Confederates erected batteries on 
Aquia Creek, near Aquia Creek Larding, which would command the entrance to 
the creek, from the Potomac. 

May 16th, 1861, Captain James Harmon Ward— a retired naval officer— or- 
ganized the "Potomac Flotilla"— the first war fleet — consisting of four s'eam crafts; 
and he was placed in command of it. With the flotilla he on Friday, May 31st, 
1861 attacked the batteries on Aquia Creek and after a severe bombardment silen- 
ced them; and on the following morning resumed the cannonading, burning and de- 
stroying the depot with all its stores. 

Aquia Creek Landing, was thus secured; occupied, and retained until the close 
of the war. The position secured on the creek proved to be of great importance to 
the Union forces, for the landing and distribution of supplies for the Army of the 
Potomac. 

23 



cannot proceed onwai'd until tomorrow morning.'" 

After a wliilc a siiital)l(' place was found for the ho<l> 
ov(M- niulit. af^o a ])lac(' undci- cover foi- luy couiiades. 

A SLEKPLESS XKJHT OX A C'AXAL BOAT 

"And welcome was the peep of day." 

Sei-i>-eant IJoot, found that 1 could ])e acconnnodated 
under cover for the nijj,lit in the cabin of a canal i)oat, used 
in brino-ing supplies for the Army of the Potomac. 

As I entered the cabin^ — that was not in those days V(M-y 
s])acious in such crafts — T saw in the dim light the out- 
lines of a small coal stove, and perha])s the warmth 
coming froiu it was moi-e felt and app)'eeiate<l at the time, 
than 1 can aftei' fifty four years remember. 1 could not 
determine whethei- any one but myself occu])ied the cabin^ 
it being so dai'k. Doubtless there were bunks in the 
cabin, l)ut 1 was not a bit inclined to liud and occupy one; 
])ei"haps if 1 luid done so 1 would lunc learned that there 
were others there besides myself, iuliabitiug it. 1 sat on a 
stool— that I might in tlu^ darkness h;i\e stumbled oxer — 
and i)assed the long and dreary niglM awake. As soon as 
day light ajjjjeared 1 proui|)tl\ left the boat without know^ 
ing whethei- any other human h-'ing jiassed the night in the 
cabin with :ne. ( )iie wouhl uud'-i- the circumstances ha\e 
easily imagine(l many unple;is;in| lliings during such a 
night, that would nol be ;it all plensant to ;in> one, in fact, 
I was -iftei- leaving the 1, oat impressed with the ihought 
lli;il I would much ralliei' spend a niulit in the open on the 
<'<ihl .::roniiil lli.in in n <lark and dicarx cabin of a canal 
boat ana in. 

I reioined my conu-ailes eaily in the nuuiiing and 
lound they had leariie(| where sonic food c<mld be purchas- 
ed to -atisfy our liunuer, having obtained such we wasted 
no lime over oui- scanty icpa-t as we had lo <ibtain a collin 
and gel everything read\ lor tiu" steamboat lor W ashini!- 



ton tliat would leave at 9 o'clock in the forenoon of that 
day. 

After some dehiy in ascertaining the place to hnd the 
proper government officer to whom we should apply f(^r a 
coffin we obtained one. We had no opportunity to gratify 
our wisli tliat the l)ody of our dead comrade be sent home 
in sucli a coffin as our regard for him prompted. The 
coffins provided l^y the government were all of one quality 
of pine wood. 

We learned later, that the body of our comrade "was 
dressed and rested enclosed in an elegant coffin" beforo 
being seen by the bereaved mother. 

•Every preparation was carefully made by the comrades 
for the last resting place of the dead comrade they could 
assist in providing for him; all of his belongings— that no 
doubt his uiother would treasure— were enclosed in the 
coffin. The body of our comrade who had suffered with 
us hardships and privations was reverently borne by his 
couirad.es to the boat, and feelingly placed along with 
long rows of coffins of the dead. The faithful detail had 
now finished their part of our solemn mission; wdien in 
tears and silence, they withdrew, in sadness! 

"We parted in silence; our cheeks were wet 
With the tears that were past control." 

The comrades who had so faithfully accompanied me, 
bade me good bye at the boat and then proceeded to re- 
turn; and 1 earnestly hoped it would be less arduous for 
them while returning to camp. 

I was very thankful, for the promjit and efficient ser-- 
vice rendered by the faithful detail on our passage down 
Aquia Creek. 

I departed on the boat for Washington along with the 
honored and heroic dead, that had been precious hus- 
bands, sons or brothers, and had beou sacrificed for the 
salvation of our Republic! 

25 



After ail luicvciiiriil ])iit pleasant passage of fifty miles 
or more, of the Potomac River tliat 1 liad passed up in a 
ti-ansport in 1861 while a member of the Second Regiment 
Connecticut Volunteers that answered the first call of 
Lincoln, T reached my destination the same day of my de- 
])arture from Aquia Creek Landing. 

Without delay I expressed the body of my comrade by 
Adams Express, to the address of Judge P]dgar Bartlett 
(a great friend of soldiers) in Ansonia, Connecticut; and 
at once sent him a telegraphic message advising him of the 
the fact, that he could take charge of the body on its arri- 
val; and at his discretion inform the poor Mother of the 
death of her son. The aged Mother had not yet been ad- 
vised of her son's death, or even of his having been sick. 
The Mother had been sj^ared two or tliree weeks of great 
anxiety. 

There was ample time and opportunity after attending 
to the duty assigned me to purchase a uniform and sword, 
proper for a commissioned officer of my rank in the in- 
fantry. 

One can imagine the ])leasure ex])erienced wliilc pui"- 
cliasing my out (it, along with the thoughts of my liaviug 
Ix'en promoted. I j-ealized thr.t I liad Ix'cu chosen from 
many \voi-{|iy loyal and altic ones; and coiuinission'-d to 
taUc c'uirgc if called upon, and coniinand noble men that 
wei'e engage<l in a gi'eat conllict. battling for the pioei-va- 
tion of oui- ii'epublicl I lind reason to feel liiglil\- honor- 
ed as anv one would have been by the tl-Ust l-eposed in 
nie. by the (iovei-nor of the gi-eat State of Connecticut. 

I was conscious that I had earned a promotion, aftei* 
orio year of faithful >ei-\ ice ;is i'^irst Sei'geant : under two 
eHicienl ;ind wort hy olhcers. Cafttain Sanfoi'd 1%. Chaffee, 
afid Caiitniii .John II. Doolittle; yet, I was none the less 
■^'''■'d<'liil to Ihc ,,ii,. whom I believed had secured my com- 
mission Uy nie. 

I ask the p;irdon of rendei's, foi- pi-(>senting here th<^ 

26 



following testiiiionial from Surgeon J. Wadswortli Terry 
of my regiment, given me many years after the close of the 
the great conflict, which I oifer as corroboration of 
the truthfulness of my statement that I had earned my 
I^romotion: — " As orderly of Co. B, during the early part 
of our regimental history," he says. "I looked upon you as 
second to none of similar rank in the regiment, and when 
3^ou received your promotion as 2d Lieutenant, I felt that 
you had justl}^ earned it by the faithful discharge of your 
duty. As an officer you always had a high character in 
tlie regiment for personal worth and fidelity to duty." 

I remained over night in Washington, at a good hotel 
and rested in a bed, so comfortable; and thought it much 
more comfortable than sleeping at the front, on tlie cold 
gr()un<l in Winter time oi- even in a hut there in Smnmer 
time. 

I left Wasliington, l)y boat for Aquia Creek Landing — 
to rejoin my i-egiment — on the forenoon of the 25th of Feb- 
ruary, and 1 departed witliout the least regret. I was 
eagei- to join my comrades that were so loyally banded 
togethei- in a righteous cause. 

I reached the landing at night, and after ascertaining 
the direction leading towards our camp; and had walked 
aliout four miles in much mud and in darkness; and over 
a road made h\ army wagons, that I had never before trav- 
eled I reached our camp; and with the feeling as though 
I had " got home." I was very tired, and hungry, not 
having eaten anything since my start from Washington. 

T succeeded in getting back to the camp of my regiment 
and rejoined my comrades within three days as command- 
ed. 

I find by a letter that I wrote to my dear mother— that 
she had carefully preserved for many years — that after my 
return to camp from Washington I was unw^ell, having 
contracted a very severe cold when I went to Washington, 
tliat settled all over me; that T had a very sore throat, and 

27 



was llircateiu'd with a fever. How it was with my com- 
i-adcs that accompanied ir.e down Ac^uia Creek, after get- 
ting I ack, 1 am iinal)le to record. Tlieir i)art of the task 
was much more severe than mine as in achlition to their 
exposure to tlie cohl and piercing wind, tliey broke up the 
ice and foi'ced the cral't ah)ng, which rcMiuii'ed much hard 
hd)or. 

At rejoining my regiment (which was done with in- 
creased enthusiasm) tliere was the same increasing" efficien- 
cy in the regiment that had l)een n()ticea])h^ soon after (len- 
eral Hooker assumed connnand of the Army of tlu' Poto- 
mac, January 26tli, 1863. It was evident tliere was a mas- 
ter mind in control of the Ai-niy of the Potomac; and it was 
an in;])erative necessity, as a consi<h'rable portion had l)een 
hut 55 (hiys before, defeated in the hatlh' of f'riMhM-icks- 
burg, and in a degree demoi-al'zcd and dis|)irit('d. 

(iALLAXT KKJHTINd JOK HOOKER 

" Pighting ' Joe ' Hooker," wlio became connuander 
of the Ai-my of the Potomac; and commaiuh'd at the battU^ 
of ChancellorsviUe, was graduated al West l\)int in lSo7, 
an<l ])r('par('(l loi- wai'fare. 

He sci\(m| in the " Fl()ri(hi War;" and llic " Mexican 
War." hi tlic h-illcr war it is I'ecoi-ded lliat lie at once 
made liiiiis<'lf conspicuous I'oi- gallant ry ; and was hi-evet- 
tctf When (m'Ii. Scott a.-suiMcd command of the .\merican 
foice- ('a|»tain Hool<ci- was made his assistant Adjt. (icn 
ei-ah He w<iit thi-oiigli the cam|)aign IVom N'era Cru/ to 
the ( it\ of Mexico and so di.'-t inguislicd hiniself as to win 

tW(t blCNCts. 

In IS,").") he resigned from the army jiavinu- served his 
c<»iintry witli distinction. 

At tlie outitreah of the " ('i\il War," Joseph ilookei' 
|n-omptly olTere.l lii> ser\ice> to the Peijeral (l(»\-erniiient 
and was at once cominissioned to commaml a brigade. 



From that time, lie was in active service; and made liimself 
conspicuous in many engagements and battles. 

Brig. General Hooker was of the regular army; and 49 
years of age, when selected with great coniidence by 
Lincoln, January 26, 1863, to command the Army of the 
Potomac. 

General Hooker won the title of '' Fighting ' Joe ' 
Hooker " from his pronounced fighting qualities displayed 
during his services on the "Peninsula" in the "Siege of 
Yorktown," "Battle of Fairoaks," during the "Seven 
Days Fight " and at " Malverne Hill." 

Before its march on the Chancellors ville campaign, 
April 27, 1863, the " Army of the Potomac " had been 
marvellously transformed, within three months time, under 
the superior ability of our commander. His skill in or- 
ganizing equalled his bravery. 

The superior skill and ability of our indefatigable com- 
mander, was apparent in the great improvement he made 
in the physical conditions, discipline and morale of the 
troops under his command. 

The " Army of the Potomac " was never in a better 
condition. Gen. Hooker may not have been far from the 
truth when he remarked to Lincoln after the grand review 
April 8th, 1863, " I have the finest army on the planet! " 

GRAND REVIEW OF THE 12th ARAfY CORPS, ARMY 
OF THE POTO]\IAC, BEFORE THE CKANCELLORS- 
VILLE CAMPAIGN:— 

What a grand and memorable day was April 8th, 1863, 
to the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers! Froui early 
dawn of the day we were elated and filled with lively 
anticipations, for we were to be reviewed (along with the 
12th Army Corps) by the now immortal Lincoln who many 
of the boys had in I860 helped to elect ruler of the Nation, 
and were banded together to aid him in his gigantic efforts 

29 



to save the riiioii iVoiii disruplioii hy ai-nied domestic 
foes. 

On tliat iiuMnora])!^ day tlie rogiinents of Boys in Blue 
with tlieir beautiful colors thrown to tiie breez(\ stej)])(Ml 
liglitly to tho inspiring nuisic of tlie fife and drum and 
proudly marcluMl to tlu^ reviewing grounds. There they 
waited ])atiently in line for the transpiring of a niemoral)le 
<n'ent. Finally, ap])i'oaching the right of the Vuu' of the 
magnificent anay of " Boys in Blue," there appeared to 
their view a grand scene, long renuMubered! 

*' This is the place, stand still, my steed — 
J.,et me review the scene! " 

A gathering of consj)icuous horsemen in the <listance 
now advancing rapidly upon their liery steeds, galloi)ing 
and prancing with their brilliant tra])pings, first drew our 
attention. Then came the sound of the rattling and clang 
of scal)bai-ds, with the heavy tread and elatter of horses' 
hoofs. 

Kirst came neai-cr to vieAV on his steed, the tall and 
impressi\'e figure of Lincoln, taller seemingl\- yet, and iuoi-e 
inij)Osing and in.-piring to the " r>oys in Ulue." 

NText to excite oui' a<lmiration was (Jen. Josej)li Hooker, 
the eonnnander of the Aims ol' the l^)tomac (the liojie of 
the liepublic), w ho accompanied llie now iiinnorlal Lincoln. 
I'^itdit ing * Joe ' Hooker " came along so ei'ccl, (»n 
liis while and noble steed; looking llie perl'ect Ideal ol' a 
dashing, gallant and braxc >oldiei- thai he wa>. He truly 
represented to the "Doys in Ldue," the i!a--liing clii\alrous 
soldiei" of whom they had lead of in lii>tory. And how 
h<' inspii-ed conlideiice and awakened enthusiasm! Then 
came the ilhisliious, (len. Ileniy W. Slocum, the staunch 
comiuander ol' the llMli Arm\ Cmps accoinjianied by his 
staff and loyal Leiieials with 1 heir staffs. 

ib)w proudl\ the " lioys in Lbh' " tainted Lincoln 
a.- the iihisti-ious >tately gallojie-l pa>t along tlie line! 

.>o 



How soldierly and proudly we marclied by column oi" 
companies; and liow exalted we were as we passed before 
Lincoln in tlie illustrious group, that assembled to review 
us while on the march! 

"Illustrious acts high raptures do infuse 
And every conqueror creates a muse." 

As I passed before the now immortal Lincoln and salut- 
ed him, I was so exalted physically, and thrilled to every 
part of my being, I marched past as though lifted up and 
needed not the earth to walk upon! 



I did not intend giving an extended and complete his- 
tory of my regiment and have not done so. I will here 
record in part, hoAvever, that which will be convincing 
to one that the regiment contributed its full share of heroic 
service towards saving our glorious Republic! The 20th 
Connecticut Volunteers, served in the "Army of the 
Potomac" and participated in the arduous campaigns and 
battles of Chancellors ville and Gettysburg. The regiment 
also served in the " Army of the West," participating in 
the numerous and fierce battles to Atlanta, and its capture; 
and was in Sherman's march to the sea; and served with 
honor, in the great conflict to its triumphant ending! 

THE VICTORY AND SURVIVAL OF OUR REPUBLIC 
TO BLESS ALL ]\1ANKIND. 

It was through the favor of God! and the wisdom of 
Lincoln, the loyalty of the people, the valor of the Navy, 
and the Army of the "Boys in Blue" that tlie Union was re- 
stored and the glorious Republic saved to a united people; 
and "That form and substance of government, whose 
leading object is to elevate the condition of men, to lift the 
artificial weights from all shoulders, to clear the paths of 
laudable pursuits for all, to afford all an unfettered start 
and a fair chance in the race of life," survives! and the 
inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuits of 

31 



Happineps *' is perpetuated; to the blessing of tlie people 
of our <i,'lori()us rv('])ul)rK*; and as au ('xani])l(' for tlie whole 
world ! 

Oovernmcut of tlie People, by t!ie Peo])h'. and for the 
People— tlms simply described by Abraliam Lincoln — is a 
necessity of civilization, said Charles Sunnier, not only be- 
cause of that republican equality without distinction of 
birth which it establishes, but for its assurance of perma- 
nient peace. * * * * To the people alone, he said, can 
mankind look for the repose of nations; but the Republic 
is the eml)odied jjeople. All hail, he proclaimed, to the 
Republic, equal guardian of all and angel of peace! 



INTERESTTNCl AND PATRIOTIC LETTER OF CIVIL 
WAR TIME 

Soon after the bui-ial — in Ansonia, Connecticut, on 
Febi'uai-y 28 — of my comrade Judson Lewis, I received, 
while at the front in Virginia, a most grateful letter from 
liis aged and bereaved mother; and I regret being unal)le 
to present here a copy. I lost it while at the front. I was 
more fortunate, in ])i-escrving to this day — by sending it 
lioiiic to my mother — a most interesting Icttci- I received 
54 yeai-s ago, while in camp near Stafford Couit Houses 
Va., from Judge liaitlett, of Ansonia, Comu^cticut, relating 
to Ills j-eceiving; and taking cluu-ge of the body on it-- 
;irii\;il in Ansonia, of my <'oiiir;ide Lewis, I had e\pi'es".i 
to liini from Washington; and his atlending lo the hurial. 

I will hei'c give a copy of the h'tlei' in pail; and i \':w' 
no douhl i1 will be rc;id with iiiueli intei-e>l hy any one o'' 
Ihe laler .u-encr;it ion, as it shetls iiiueii liulit on the po'itieal 
sitnation in the stale of Conneetient at the time the letter 
was wrilleji. .Indu'e Uai'tlett \\a- elcai- in hi- di-cei'mm'id 
(»f the |)oIitic;d >itnation, and I'lilly eompctcnt to w rite upon 
it. 

The h'ttei- shows the loy;dty of one of many stannch 
eiti/ens of the country at a iiio>t eritieal jx'iiod of our 



national existence; as well as a most ardent friend of the 
patriotic soldiers who were so valiantly battling for tlie 
Union to save it from disruption! The letter of Judge 
Bartlett here follows: 

Ansonia, Ct., February 28, 1863 

Lieut. Cieorge W. Sherman. 
Dear Sir: 

Your telegram relating to receiving the body of 
Judson Lewis, was received at 6 P. M, same day of date, 
Feb. 24th. 

The telegram when it reached here, read, Judson Denis 
or Dewis, and after some inquiry 1 was satisfied that it 
meant Lewis, and I informed his friends accordingly, which 
was the first intimation they had of either his sickness or 
death. The body reached here Thursday evening, 26th, 
and on examination proved to be in excellent condition, 
and from appearance, one would hardly suppose that he 
had been dead twenty-four hours. With the consent of 
his friends I gave the body in charge of the Undertaker 
who dressed it, and enclosed it in an elegant coffin, before 
taking it to his Mother. Today I have seen his body car- 
ried to his long resting place! Peace to his ashes! 

So hardy and robust as he used to be, I should picked 
him out as the last one of the company to have fallen under 
the duties of the camp. 

His friends have not yet, heard anything regarding his 
last sickness, or cause of death. 

They had not heard from him in about four weeks. At 
that time he claimed being well and hearty. There has 
been a rumoi*, that he froze to death on picket duty, but i 
can find no authority for the report ***** i am 
very sorry to hear of so many of Co, B on the sick list, and 
earnestly hope that the opening of Spring and the return 
of dry weather and ground will restore them all to health, 
and encourage their hearts to go forward in the sacred 

33 



yet glorious duly of ui)Ii(»l(lin,L;- Hu' " Flag of the Free " 
and save the Union froui overthrow and ruin. 

My dear Sir, we are almost strangers, and 1 do not 
know vour political creed, but let me tell you, that the ene- 
mies of the Union, are not all in the front of your army, wi- 
have them here in old Connecticut, an<l fvt-n in ohl , 

men who are utterly lost to every patriotic impulse, ami 
1 verilv believe would sooner see the Union armies anndii- 
lated, the nation broken up into a thousand fragments, 
than anv injuiv should ha])pen to the so-called Democratic 
Party, or that Slavery should in any way be interfered 
with* Tliey had rather save Slavery, than the Union, and 
if the question was, today, between Jeff Davis, or (ieorge 
Washington for next Pivsident would vote for .Jeff Davis. 
Have vou seen the doings of the Copperhead Convention 
at Hartford? I will send you with this a ])aper containing 
them. Head tliem and then realize if you can, that such 
language was used anywhere this side of Uichimmd. it 
makes me blush for my Native State. On account of so 
many Union men in the army, the Copperheads think they 

will elect the traitor . H i.- possihle. hut I do not 

think prohahh'. for I cannot l)ut believe that theiv is hitent 
lovaltv enough vet in the state to .h'feat sueh opm and 
avowed treas(m as was proclaimed at the llartfonl (\.nven- 
tion. if not th.'ii Cod save the Slate! For I li. mostly l.e- 
lieve that if 'foiii Seymour is eleetc.l Covenior, he wdl 
bring this State into .-onision with Uw I. S. ( i..vrrnment, 
Nvhirh will result in .-ivil war heiv at home. What we want 
al.ov.' evervlhing els.-, to utterly Mpieh-h the>e Copper- 
l„.:i.l.. ,. ,,ne or two substantial vi<-torie> of our armies 
over the Kel.el^. It Would infuse a IleNN life and spirit into 
the peoi)le, and cheer niid .•iieourag.' their lu'arts and make 
thr ('(.pperheml.^ .^liiik h;i<-k into tiieir dens. 

1|.„1,, ,„,i l„M.,i for >ome of the^ame rei)1iles among 
tl.r StMiivd aii.l >lioiilder >tr:.pped gentry 1 helieve tlie 
Army of tlm Uotomac \\..uM not have lu'eii ^tuck all W inter 
in \'iruini:i mud. 



I earnestly liope, yet to hear of a glorious and honored 
name recorded on the pages of this war, by Co. B, 20th 
Regt., C. Vols, and you may be assured you are not forgot- 
ten, but that the prayers, and earnest wishes of hundreds 
of anxious hearts daily ascend to the God of Battles in be- 
half of Co. B, that lie will watch over and protect them, 
give them courage in the hour of danger and victory in 
battle ! 

Remember me to the officers and members of Co. B, and 
in the future as heretofore, they can command my services 
in anything I can do for tliem, though I trust I may not 
be called upon, to receive more of their bodies silent in 
death, that I may be permitted ere long to welcome them 
home from the field of victory, crowned by a glorious Peace 
through treason and Rebellion subdued, and our loved 
Union preserved in all its integrity. ***** 

From the fact, that a large share of the boxes sent to 
tlie soldiers from here, are brought to me to mark, and from 
taking considerable interest in the affairs of Co. B, an im- 
pression prevails with a great many that I am the regular 
authorized agent for said Co. 1 claim no agency, but 
what belongs to every citizen, that is, to do all that can 
be done to cheer and encourage them and make their situa- 
tion as comfortable as possible. 

(lod bless Co. B, and when the hour comes may they 
make their mark high on the records of fame! 

Sincerely your friend, 

E. BARTLETT. 

P. S. Any time you are at a loss to know how to kill an 
liour in camp life, write me, and I will assure a speedy 
reply. 

The " Copperheads " frequently referred to in the 
letter of Judge Bartlett were men who during the Civil 
war remained in the North and sympathized with and aid- 
ed the Confederate and not the '' Union cause," and were 

35 



so-callcMl JuH-aiisc tlicy were rogarded as attacking the 
I'nion ti-cacliei'oiisly in tlic rcai', as Copperhead snakes 
attack. 

It \vill not he amiss to say, tliat .Judge I>artk'tt was not 
alone in the fear that whik' so many Union men were ab- 
sent at tlie front in the armies, that the Democi'atic party 
wonhl secure control of tlie State of Connecticut and 
thi'ough the uiachiiuitions of the (kish)yal part of that i)ai1y 
use its ])()wei- to ein])ai-rass the Federal (iovernment, that 
was at times so sorely pressed. 

Appeals at one time in the Civil Wai- were sent iiouie 
hotli hy ofliceis an<l men From nearly every regiment i'lom 
Connecticut while at the IVont, urging the electoi's to elect 
such officers to sei've the State that were known to lie loyal 
to the I'nion cause. 

One of the appeals read in ])ai-t as follows: " Men of 
Connecticut! did you encourage us * * * * to leave home, 
fi-iends, eveiything to figlit, * * * * only that we might 
look hack, and see foes not less uialignaut, aud not less 
daiigei'ous, assailiug us IVom hehiud.' We ])ray xou uot 
to ciMisIi our i-esolution and ])alsy oui- ai-uis hy electing I'oi- 
your govei'uor and oui's a man who hopes for oui- defeat 
and humiliation! '' 

The Slate of Comiect i'-ul (inally gi-ajd<'d to its soldiers 
while al)sent at the frotil in the sei-vice of the I'nited 
Sl;ile and Wei-e eligihh'. the right to vote. That, alhiNCtl 
1 he fc;ir> (»f the loyal citizens. 

TiiK i-'rxi;i;.\L axd i^d'ui \l oi-^ a s()i,i)ih:i;. 

Tlie li(»dy of our comrade reached hi> I'elatixo in a re- 
niarkahle >late of pr<'ser\ at ion : one I'elatixc remeiiil.ei's 
1h;il the clicck> were a> H'il as in life. Mow forhinale was 
the Mollicr lliat >lie could look for the la>t lime upon llie 
\':\c(' of her soldier son. with the ah^ence of the appearance 
of g|-ini death. It \\a> not m» with man\ otiiei- Mothers 
<luriiig (he Ci\il War. hccau.-e many >oldier son> were 

36 



brouglit back to tlieiii disfigurecl beyond recognition. 0, 
how niucli longer will instigators and fiendish war makers 
be allowed to escape their, just punishment! 

The impressive funeral services for our comrade were 
held on Saturday, P'ebruary 28th, at the house of his pa- 
triotic m.otlier from whom the loyal son had but a few 
months before, so affectionately parted. Rev. Mr. French 
Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Ansonia, officiated at 
the funeral, which was attended by dear relatives. With 
Judge Edgar Bartlett, the staunch friend of the " Boys in 
Blue, ^' were loyal and patriotic citizens to. pay respect due 
to the memory of a Union soldier. 

The burial was in what was known as upper Derby 
Burying (.-I'ound; but now known as the Elm Street Ceme- 
tery which is within the limits of the City of Ansonia. 

A j)icture showing a portion of the Elm Street Ceme- 
tery viewed from Elm Street, where the body of our Com- 
rade peacefully lies with that of his Father, Mother ami 
other r^datives. 



JaIi f III 


III i . f . 
y 1 fl 




1 

1 

H 


i 






1. i 




K*S 



This ancient and hallowed burial place in its serenity, 
ever overlooks the silent, flowing Naugatuck. 



37 



Beyond, loom up iinpicssivcly to view hetUuing and 
('\erlasting liills, reflecting o'er the dark valley, a scene 
suggestive of peace and repose; and from above the hill- 
tops a mellow light slieds its rays o'er the valley to mingle 
with the fragrance of ])eautiful flowers over the mounds of 
departed ones! 

The headstone with a cross, sliown in the picture of the 
Cemetery indicates the grave of Comrade Lewis. 

Following is the inscription on our Comrade's head- 
stone, and the appropriate e})ita])li tl)(M'(H)ii iuscrilied:- — 

Judson Lewis 

A meiulxT of Co. B, 2011, Regl. C. V. 

Died 

At Stafford Court House, Va. 

February 21st, 1868 

Aged 29 years. 

His Country's hour of peril came 
Thousands went forth he did the same. 
Then let us when we tell llicii- fame, 

Jn grateful iiicinoi-y hreatlie his name. 
"No greater eai'llily lumor could the sons 
of Freedom crave, 
Tlian to sing the fame of soldiei^ al)()ve 
a soldiei-'s gi"a\'e. 

Foi- all oni- rallcu coiiu-adcs Ix- i1 villi reverence s;iid: — 
"Do not roigel them — while tlley sleep. 

With earth t'oi- a ))illow in sileiu'e so deepl 
<ii\'e tlieiii reiiieiiihrniice as iiieii tliat were true. 
This. ;it least, to the soldiers is due."' 



38 



SOLDIERS ai()xu.mp:xt at derby, coxx. 

'i his Ix^autiful moiiuuioiit, was eixv'ted on tlx' piihlir 
t>-r*'(Mi of the city of Dei-hy. hv patriotic and uraloful peoplo 
of tlie •'ity; and i-evt'rently d'^iieated i>y llieni to ^!'.e nitni- 
ory of the no])le men from the city, viio h)st their lives in 
the ser^'ice of tlieir country dnring the lieroic strugg-le for 
tlie ])i-es(M-vati()n of oui- i^'lorioiis Republic! 

Amon<>- the names, of the honored ones on tlie monrtmeni 
so justly inscribed who unselfishly answered their voun- 
ti-y's call, is found the name of .Judson Lewis of Co. B, 2()th 
Re,L>;ini('nt Connecticut Volunteers! 

"Down throuiA'h the coming ages let swelling 

anthems ring, 
1'he tribute to thei]- memories a nation's heart 

should bring! 
•"Tis well to honor thus our dead. 
They Avent forth from peace to strife, 
h^or vou their blood was freely shed!" 

"AVe knov,- that iloAvers sliall lose their IjIooiu 
And idle d.iH ams shall swiftly fade, 
But 'n our hearts, in blood, is writ 
The sacj-itices our heroes nuide.'"' 



39 




A |il<-lilic of tlif Sc'ldiciv" Mdiii'.iiiciil ;it I )» lli\, (OlIlUC 
licill. 



40 



ill 




4IW tuA pncrfB I.' 



